Matthew: Curriculum Introduction

Curriculum:

Matthew: Welcome to the Kingdom

Curriculum Notebook

This Leader’s Manual contains creative materials for ten days of ministry. It is constructed to be used in a variety of set­tings: city park outreach, beach missions, camp chapels and devotions, any place where children gather. Since each con­text provides its own unique resources and constraints, this material is not presented in the form of a curriculum, but rather as a collection of tools that can be cut, pasted, arranged and rearranged to fit the gifts of your ministry team, the needs of the children you serve, and the demands of your particular setting.

The materials presented in this manual are structured around a Medieval Kingdom theme. In each daily drama, two charac­ters, Little Faith and Squire Doubtful learn the truths of what it means to be a knight (a servant) in the Kingdom of Heaven. Little Faith and Squire Doubtful start off pursuing the dream of becoming knights. In the process they meet Jesus, become knighted (become Christians), and take on the high calling of the Kingdom of Heaven’s knights by pursuing the pearl of great price (pursuing a relationship with Jesus).

A corresponding Bible story presentation for each day allows the children to meet and talk to individuals who learned truths about the Kingdom of Heaven. Most of the dramas and Bible stories are based on the book of Matthew. Children will also be introduced to other fun characters like the King, the Court Musician and Minstrels, the Royal Chef and Royal Baker, Jesters Jack and Jinx and Sheriff Nodding­Off.

The manual also includes strategies for teaching memory verses, quiz time ideas, coordinating game suggestions, as well as ideas for working with pre­readers.. The reproducible Bible Digger study sheets on the Gospel of Matthew includ­ed with this resource, rounds out the program, providing an opportunity for children to read and respond to God’s word in a small group setting.